CAST Seeks Leader to Continue Moving Air Service Forward

by Jay Stender, Executive Director of Forward Sheridan and member of the Critical Air Service Team. [This article originally appeared as a “Community Perspectives” article in The Sheridan Press, September 5, 2015.]

The Critical Air Service Team – a group from Sheridan and Johnson counties – is seeking a chief volunteer officer for CAST to inform, educate and enhance our community’s opportunity to make commercial air service a viable and sustainable effort.

We’re looking for someone who can understand and articulate the importance of commercial air service to our community and region. Someone who can manage a working team of funds management, marketing and schedules to best fit the needs of the community. And someone who, most importantly, will be a face and driver for our commercial air service efforts.

We are clearly on the path to securing commercial air service for Sheridan County Airport. CAST has entered into business negotiations with Key Lime Air, doing business as Denver Air connection, to enable jet service between Sheridan and Denver International Airport.

As it sits, this is for 13 flights per week and we can modify the schedule somewhat as demand and need are identified. The goal is to have consistent and reliable jet service for our community.

What is unique and valued is that this effort is a collaborative effort from Sheridan and Johnson counties, from public and private sector stakeholders, and has a broad benefit to all.

Thus, the prospect of maintaining our quality of life, economic sustainability and the opportunity for our families to stay connected and our businesses to compete in a global economy means it is essential that we focus on all aspects.

If you’re interested in helping to lead this charge, contact a member of the Critical Air Service Team.